Microalgae biomass conversion into biofuel using modified HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst: A review

Abstract Microalgae is one of the most important sources of green hydrocarbons and it is likely to reduce dependence on fossil fuels due to the high percentage fats of microalgae, and also has a rapid growth rate and consumes the carbon dioxide in large quantities. Besides, the cultivation of microalgae does not require arable land. This short review aims to explain the suitability of microalgae as a biofuel source depending on the content of lipids, and catalytic chemical processes to convert the crude oil of microalgae into biofuels by using different types of modified HZSM-5 zeolites. Also, this review sheds light on the different methods to modify HZSM-5 zeolite toward enhancing the selectivity of cracking and deoxygenation processes by using modified HZSM-5 zeolite with rare earth metals.